Unapologetic from SBU

Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard work through ways that AI is impacting education, including at SBU. They talk about the challenges that the technology presents and ways to mitigate those challenges in the classroom. They also reflect on Jonathon's chapel message highlighting the theme of the year, "Rooted and Ready," and preview upcoming events on campus.
Keywords
AI in education, Christian faith, university community, identity in Christ, educational technology, community outreach, student formation
Key Topics
AI integration in higher education
The importance of identity rooted in faith
Community engagement and outreach programs
Balancing technological benefits and risks
Innovations in academic programs in AI and data science
Strategies for teaching and assessing AI use
The role of faith in student formation
University growth and community involvement
 
 
 

Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt look ahead to the fall semester with a number of events on the calendar, including Homecoming, the Great SBU Campout, visit events, and more. They also discuss a recent headline about the University of Michigan dropping letter grades for new students, and what this says about mental health among college students. 
Key Topics
Upcoming campus events including Welcome Weekend, football games, and community outreach
Leadership development and self-awareness in students and staff
Current issues in higher education such as mental health policies and grading systems
The relationship between Missouri Baptist University and the Missouri Baptist Convention
Strategies for engaging students and community in campus life
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections00:23 Upcoming Semester Events and Planning01:18 Football Schedule and Campus Activities02:17 Leadership Books and Personal Development03:01 Semester Kickoff and Welcome Week04:49 Campus Life and Student Engagement06:44 Higher Education Policies and Mental Health11:57 Reading and Learning from Historical Theologians14:51 Spiritual Focus and Eternal Perspective15:45 Leadership and Self-Awareness16:13 Fall Semester Events and Community Outreach21:27 Football and Sports Events22:26 Campus Visit Opportunities and Events23:47 Missouri Baptist Convention and Institutional Relationships27:55 Closing Remarks and Future Plans
 

The Unapologetic Podcast is back for Year 3 of insights and interviews and important updates about Southwest Baptist University. And big news - Jonathon Woodyard is stepping into the interim president seat after Dr. Rick Melson's selection as the next president of Moody Bible Institute. Jonathon and Brandt Merritt discuss this major transition in the life of SBU, as well as recap their summers that included trips to Orlando for the Southern Baptist Convention and a study abroad trip to England that they co-led for a group of students and alumni.
There's a lot to catch up on, so enjoy this episode as we kick off the 2026-2027 academic year in a new studio and with some new intro music!
Key Topics
Leadership transition at SBU due to Dr. Melson's move to Moody Bible Institute
Summer activities including camps, SBC, and alumni events
The England study trip focusing on history, culture, and faith
Strategic planning and future vision for SBU
The importance of being rooted in Christ and prepared for what's next
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview of SBU Transition01:17 New Studio and Summer Reflections03:09 Dr. Melson's Departure and Interim Leadership04:06 Summer Activities and SBC Highlights09:46 England Study Trip Purpose and Experience13:35 Historical and Cultural Insights from England19:38 Leadership Vision and Future Planning24:45 Focus Areas: Numbers, Names, and Next Steps33:31 Being Rooted and Ready for What's Next
Keywords: Higher Education, Christian University, Leadership Transition, Campus Development, Student Engagement, Global Study Trip, England Trip, Strategic Planning, University Future, Faith and Culture

Join Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard as we explore the impactful work of Dr. Matt Kimbrough, division chair and faculty member in the Courts Redford Division of Christian Ministry. Discover his journey from student to professor, the innovative programs at Redford, and how they are preparing students for ministry and church leadership in a changing world. As an SBU alum, Dr. Kimbrough shares his passion for the university and the work it does in shaping lives of the next generation. We also preview summer activities and the upcoming SBC Annual Meeting in Orlando.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background of the Guests08:01 Summer Plans and Academic Responsibilities14:03 Matt Kimbrough's Journey to SBU19:01 Teaching Philosophy and Student Engagement24:07 Redford School's Program Developments27:51 The Legacy of Redford and Its Impact32:03 Addressing the Need for Pastoral Leadership33:55 Future Initiatives and Conferences37:02 Encouragement for Spiritual Growth
 

Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard look back on some of the highlights from the Spring 2026 semester at SBU, including chapel speakers, student life events and the spring Board of Trustees meeting. They then spend some time discussing Paul's letter to the Romans, as Jonathon plans to introduce a yearlong study of the book during the 2026-2027 school year. The study would then culminate in a study abroad trip to Rome in Summer 2027. Brandt and Jonathon share personal insights into Romans and how it has helped shape their life and theology.
Chapters
03:26 Campus Events and Community Engagement06:45 Innovations in Health Sciences Education09:31 Future Plans for Biblical Studies and Worldview12:47 Preparing for the Next Academic Year13:40 Exploring Romans: A Journey to Italy19:26 The Significance of Romans in Christian Theology24:38 Understanding Justification and the Gospel31:12 The Transformative Power of Romans35:01 Connecting Paul with the Early Church37:49 Looking Ahead: Future Discussions and Events
Keywords
Romans, Bible study, theology, Christian faith, seminary, biblical studies, church history, justification, salvation, Christian living
 

 
Join Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard as they explore senior Ben Stelken's journey from a non-Christian background to a committed follower of Christ, his leadership on campus, and his plans for the future in physical therapy. This episode offers insights into faith development, student leadership, and balancing athletics with academics.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and icebreaker07:07 Ben's Journey to SBU and Faith Exploration17:45 Leadership Roles and Community Engagement22:48 Academic Pursuits and Future Plans
Keywords
faith journey, student leadership, physical therapy, campus life, Christian faith, college students, FCA, SBU, student athlete, spiritual growth
 
 

Next Gen leader Shane Pruitt of the North American Mission Board joins Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard in an engaging conversation about how to address current cultural challenges and the lies that Christians are prone to believe in today's age. They recap Shane's visit to SBU and his conversations with students, while also discussing current books that they are reading. You won't want to miss this episode with one of the top Christian voices speaking to young people (and the church at large) about how to reach our culture for Christ and spread the truth of God's word.
Chapters
00:00 Engaging the Next Generation: Challenges and Strategies02:38 Understanding Happiness vs. Joy in Christian Life05:25 The Role of the Church in Cultural Conversations08:30 The Importance of Biblical Truth in Modern Issues11:32 The Power of Personal Testimonies and Community Engagement14:31 Future Directions
Resources
The Nine Lies Christians Believe - https://www.waterbrookmultnomah.com/books/567890/nine-lies-christians-believe
Rosaria Butterfield's Work on Cultural Apologetics - https://rosariabutterfield.com/
Not My Jesus Bible Study by Lifeway - https://www.lifeway.com/en/shop/not-my-jesus-bible-study-P005123456
The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl Truman - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XYZ1234
 

Jonathon Woodyard returns to the podcast after a stint of military commitments as an Army chaplain, joining Brandt Merritt to talk about recent and upcoming campus events. They spend some time recapping Jonathon's time in military service and some perspectives on the beginning of the U.S. conflict with Iran. They also discuss the SEC basketball championship game between Mizzou and Kentucky. 
Chapters
00:00 Chaplain School and Military Training07:07 Military Engagement in South Carolina18:13 Tensions and Rumors of War with Iran22:54 Military Security Measures During Tensions28:50 Campus Events and Spring Break Missions29:17 Upcoming Campus Events and Trips

In the second of two episodes focused on healthcare in Southwest Missouri, Mike Calhoun of Citizens Memorial Hospital joins Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard to talk about the ways CMH is working to address the needs of the region. An alum of SBU, Calhoun gives an in-depth look at the hospital's expansion, workforce development strategies, and the impacts on community well-being. He also shares his personal story of coming to faith and being called into ministry. This is a wide-ranging interview with one of SBU's longstanding partners that you won't want to miss.
Chapters
01:29 Healthcare System Overview04:20 Growth and Changes in CMH07:11 Community Impact and Personal Touch10:31 Workforce Development Challenges13:17 Future of Healthcare in the Region21:23 The Growing Need for Healthcare Workers22:17 Engaging Youth in Healthcare Careers23:38 Challenges in Healthcare Workforce Recruitment25:58 Turnover Rates in Healthcare Positions26:57 The Impact of Education on Healthcare Careers28:54 Building Local Pathways for Healthcare Education30:49 The Importance of Community Integration32:42 The New CMH Hospital Expansion34:36 Enhancements in Emergency and Inpatient Care37:01 Modernizing Facilities for Better Patient Experience38:57 Future Growth and Technological Advancements41:17 Attracting Talent Through Facility Improvements43:35 Collaborative Efforts for Community Health
 

Vice President of Advancement Leon Wirth joins Brandt Merritt to preview SBU's upcoming giving day, SBUnited 2026 on Thursday, March 12. They highlight significant momentum in giving trends to SBU's Annual Scholarship Fund and overall giving, including increased dollars and increased donors. They also give an update on capital campaign planning connected to SBU's campus master plan, and share positive enrollment trends.
For those interested in learning more about SBUnited Giving Day, visit advance.sbuniv.edu/sbunited.
Chapters
00:10 Guest Introduction: Leon Worth00:59 Supporting SBU Through Giving and Enrollment05:16 Details of Giving Day and Goals07:29 Campus Engagement and Student Involvement09:22 Giving Trends and Momentum11:43 Potential for Record Giving Year13:57 Campus Development and Future Projects17:46 Restricted vs Unrestricted Giving Explained19:41 Enrollment Growth and Student Success24:30 Local Community and Recruitment Success28:50 Student Impact Stories and Mission29:46 Closing Remarks and Call to Action